Bayern Munich are looking increasingly likely to sign on-loan Juventus winger Kingsley Coman at the end of the season on a permanent basis, according to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
The German giant's chief executive told Italian news outlet Tuttosport that a deal to bring Coman to Bavaria permanently - the 20-year-old having spent the past two seasons on loan at the club - would probably go ahead once the 2016/17 campaign draws to a close.
Coman enjoyed a superb first season with Bayern and, despite struggling to replicate that form during his second spell at the Allianz Arena, Rummenigge hinted that the reigning Bundesliga champions would attempt to buy him outright in the summer.
He said: "With Coman we have an option that is valid until April 30. He had a few difficulties after the Euros, but lately has returned to his usual level. We will probably activate the option to buy."
Bayern and Juventus agreed to insert a clause in Coman's temporary switch to Germany that would allow the former to sign him for around £18m.
Coman, who can play on either wing, bagged six goals and 12 assists in 37 appearances during his first loan spell with Bayern, and helped then-manager Pep Guardiola's side clinch a league and cup double last term.
Kingsley Coman suffered a knock on his left foot in today's training but it was nothing serious and he was able top continue [TZ] pic.twitter.com/sYu96oi4m9
This campaign, however, the France international has figured just 15 times in all competitions, with a ligament tear and ankle injury restricting his time on the pitch for Carlo Ancelotti's men.
Bayern and Juventus have enjoyed a good relationship when it comes to transfers, with the likes of Arturo Vidal and Mehdi Benatia trading places between the two sides in recent times.
Benatia was loaned out by Bayern at the beginning of the season, but has struggled to overcome a number of niggling injuries during his time with the Italian outfit.
Juventus have the option to sign Benatia for a fee of around £17m in the summer, but if I Bianconeri fail to take up that option, Bayern may look to terminate his contract and make him a free agent.
Rummenigge, however, explained that he expected Juventus to sign Benatia permanently, regardless of his injury problems and thus end his time with Bayern as a result.
He added: "Benatia's talent cannot be debated, but unfortunately he has been penalised by some physical problems. In any case, I think he will stay in Turin, as we have a pretty clear agreement with Juventus."
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